The ShearWater 2200Z 2005 vs ShearWater 23LTZ 2013 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story: intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - ShearWater 2200Z 2005 at 21,0 ft versus ShearWater 23LTZ 2013 at 22,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the ShearWater 23LTZ 2013 tips the scales at 1 900 lbs - 250 lbs less than the ShearWater 2200Z 2005 at 1 650 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 300 hp, the ShearWater 23LTZ 2013 has a 50-hp advantage over the ShearWater 2200Z 2005's 250-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 80 gal and 81 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 6 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the ShearWater 23LTZ 2013 and its 300-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the ShearWater 2200Z 2005 with its 250-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.